Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has reportedly been receiving briefings from Matt Duss, an outspoken critic of the U.S.-Israel alliance and former foreign policy advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders as she prepares for a high-profile appearance at the Munich Security Conference next week.
AOC under Matt Duss’ foreign policy tutelage as she makes 2028 moves
Duss, a former foreign policy advisor to Bernie Sanders, is an outspoken critic of the U.S.-Israel alliance
Sen. Bill Cassidy announced he’s launching an investigation into NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, prompted by the mayor’s rescission last month of executive orders from the prior administration related to Israel and antisemitism.
Sen. Bill Cassidy investigating Mamdani over revocation of antisemitism executive orders
The Senate education committee chairman said New York City public schools’ federal funding could be at risk
Sen. Lindsey Graham abruptly ended his Capitol Hill meeting with Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, the head of the Lebanese Armed Forces, after Haykal declined to refer to Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Lindsey Graham hints at reducing U.S. support for Lebanese Armed Forces over general's Hezbollah stance
Graham ended the meeting when Chief of Defense Gen. Rodolphe Haykal refused to call Hezbollah a terrorist organization
Moshe Davis, who served as the first-ever executive director of the NYC Office to Combat Antisemitism, offered advice and even some praise for the administration that replaced him — but also warned that fear of violence has gripped many observant Jewish New Yorkers.
Moshe Davis expresses concerns for future of NYC antisemitism office upon his departure
The outgoing executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism warned that his successor, Phylisa Wisdom, risks alienating the Orthodox Jewish community
"The fact that a candidate as far to the left as Mejia could prevail in one of the most affluent, suburban districts in the country speaks volumes about the state of the party."
Analysis by Josh Kraushaar:
Analilia Mejia's lead in N.J. primary signals growing far-left influence in Democratic Party
The fact that a candidate as far to the left as Mejia could prevail in one of the most affluent, suburban districts in the country speaks volumes about the state of the party
“It really is a lack of knowledge about the contributions of Jewish Americans to America, that people fled here for religious freedom,” said Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun.
Antisemitism envoy Yehuda Kaploun pitches education-first strategy in first months on the job
Speaking at the Hudson Institute, Kaploun gave his view of the state of the international and domestic fights to combat antisemitism
Young American Jews have less of an emotional attachment to Israel than older Jews, but the overwhelming majority of all American Jews, across age groups, believes in Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, new survey data from Jewish Federations of North America reveals.
Poll: American Jews overwhelmingly support Israel as Jewish and democratic state, but less than half call themselves Zionists
A new survey from the Jewish Federations of North America illustrates the complexities of supporting Israel and the word ‘Zionism’ in a post-Oct. 7 landscape
The AIPAC-linked United Democracy Project said in a statement Friday that it had anticipated the potential elevation of a far-left candidate in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District as a possible outcome of its spending, but indicated it may undertake further spending in the district.
UDP says it ‘anticipated’ potential New Jersey bust, eyes further spending in district
The AIPAC-linked super PAC said it may get involved in the June NJ-11 primary for the next full term
ANALYSIS | The results in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District last night may not make national headlines, but should be sending a shock wave across Democratic campaigns and pro-Israel institutions.
by Josh Kraushaar:
Analilia Mejia's lead in N.J. primary signals growing far-left influence in Democratic Party
The fact that a candidate as far to the left as Mejia could prevail in one of the most affluent, suburban districts in the country speaks volumes about the state of the party
In N.J.'s 11th Congressional District, the AIPAC-linked United Democracy Project made a $2.3 million bet against former Rep. Tom Malinowski. It was clear early on last night that the bet wasn’t paying off — but now the race could end up in what local Jewish leaders are calling a worst-case scenario.
AIPAC’s bet appears to backfire in New Jersey
The pro-Israel group spent over $2.3 million to block occasional Israel critic Tom Malinowski from getting elected — it may have unwittingly gotten a far-left radical nominated instead.
Read today's
#DailyKickoff:
🗳️ Reading the New Jersey results
Full briefing 👇
ji.news/4qkmv
Reading the New Jersey results
Plus, supporters of Israel or Zionists?
Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the newly confirmed U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, outlined his plans for the role during a think tank event on Thursday afternoon.
Antisemitism envoy Yehuda Kaploun pitches education-first strategy in first months on the job
Speaking at the Hudson Institute, Kaploun gave his view of the state of the international and domestic fights to combat antisemitism
“She had two enormous challenges [when starting at Alphabet]. One, she was taking over from an absolute superstar, CFO Ruth Porat,” said Mark Isakowitz, a former Google executive.
“Two, she had to accelerate what had already started under Ruth, which is the capital allocation for the AI age.”
Alphabet’s AI bet shows early returns under Israeli-American CFO Anat Ashkenazi
The Israeli-American CFO first fueled Eli Lilly’s success, and is now turning her attention to the tech sector
Rep. Andy Barr and Nate Morris, two of the leading Republican candidates for Kentucky’s Senate seat, endorsed Ed Gallrein, the GOP challenger to Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the leading GOP critics of Israel in Congress.
Two top Kentucky Republicans endorse challenger to anti-Israel GOP Rep. Massie
Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Nate Morris, leading Senate candidates, endorsed Ed Gallrein, Massie’s Trump-backed challenger
A recently announced AI partnership between Google and Al Jazeera is raising concerns among some national security experts who say the arrangement helps to legitimize a state-controlled news organization long criticized for its sympathetic coverage of Hamas and hostility to Israel.
Anat Ashkenazi has presided over a tremendous amount of growth in the five years she has spent as chief financial officer at two different Fortune 500 companies — first the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, and now the tech behemoth Alphabet, the parent company of Google.
Alphabet’s AI bet shows early returns under Israeli-American CFO Anat Ashkenazi
The Israeli-American CFO first fueled Eli Lilly’s success, and is now turning her attention to the tech sector
Sen. Ted Cruz announced he had drafted legislation designating the Polisario Front, the militant group that claims sovereignty over parts of the Western Sahara, as a foreign terrorist organization and will formally introduce it “if there’s no change in their behavior.”
Ted Cruz takes aim at Iran-backed Polisario Front for threatening U.S. interests in North Africa
The Texas senator has drafted legislation to designate the group as a foreign terrorist organization ‘if there’s no change in their behavior’
Less than half of Israelis support joining an American strike on Iran if Israel is not directly attacked, a poll from the Israel Democracy Institute found this week.
@lahavharkov.bsky.social reports:
Israelis split on whether to join a U.S. strike on Iran - poll
Right-wing Israelis support a strike even if Iran does not attack, while other political camps prefer to wait and see if Iran strikes Israel first, IDI poll finds
News that employees in NYC's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene had launched an anti-Israel “working group” inside the agency’s headquarters provoked outrage among both progressive and conservative leaders in the New York City Council.
Anti-Israel ‘working group’ in NYC health agency sparks backlash
Councilmembers on the left and right decried the use of public resources for activist purposes
ANALYSIS | The lack of clarity is reason for concern in Israel, where the line on any potential agreement with Iran, going back to the Obama-era negotiations, has long been zero enrichment and extensive limitations on ballistic missiles and regional proxy activity.
By
@lahavharkov.bsky.social:
Mixed messages on whether missiles, proxies have been cut out of Iran talks
The lack of clarity is reason for concern in Jerusalem, where the line on any potential American agreement with Iran has long been zero enrichment, extensive limitations on ballistic missiles and regional proxy activity
EXCLUSIVE | A bipartisan group of 82 House lawmakers wrote to Kristi Noem urging her to roll back new conditions placed on applications for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program amid rising antisemitic attacks.
More than 80 bipartisan lawmakers urge DHS to roll back new security grant conditions
The lawmakers said NSGP funds should not be used ‘to reinforce other policy priorities’ as new conditions may require organizations to cooperate with immigration enforcement and curb DEI programs
A major infusion of pro-Israel funding for attacks on former Rep. Tom Malinowski has complicated his path to victory in the Thursday special election primary — though political analysts and members of the local Jewish community still see Malinowski as the likely favorite.
Pro-Israel spending complicating Malinowski’s path to victory in New Jersey special election
The former congressman’s advantages in fundraising and name ID may be undercut by the massive ad spend against him
Read today's
#DailyKickoff:
📺 PACs pack NJ-11 primary
Full briefing 👇
ji.news/4qfn3
PACs pack NJ-11 primary
Plus, a look at Google’s Al Jazeera partnership
Zohran Mamdani selected Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the progressive Zionist group New York Jewish Agenda and a critic of yeshiva education, to helm the city’s Office to Combat AntiSemitism.
Mamdani picks progressive Jewish leader to head Office to Combat Antisemitism
Phylisa Wisdom has alienated some Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish leaders over her blunt criticism of yeshiva education
As Ben Shuldiner begins his tenure as superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, he’s got his hands full.
And among the items on his plate, SPS has made headlines with a series of high-profile antisemitic incidents, and Shuldiner, who is Jewish, knows he will likely be called to account for them.
New Seattle school superintendent claims tikkun olam as central leadership value
Ben Shuldiner, who is Jewish, is bringing his progressive politics to a school district facing a spike in antisemitism
"Given the changed intraparty mood, there was a question about whether pro-Israel groups would need to play a little more defense this election cycle... That’s looking — at least for now — not to be the case."
Full analysis by @JoshKraushaar:
AIPAC faces test in N.J. primary as group maintains aggressive playbook
The pro-Israel group’s super PAC has spent over $2 million in ads attacking Tom Malinowski, who has come out in favor of conditioning some aid to Israel, in hopes of electing a more reliable ally in Tahesha Way
Brian Varela, a businessman running in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, picked up an endorsement from Newark, N.J., Mayor Ras Baraka, a sign of Varela’s increasing outreach to progressive voters.
In progressive pivot, N.J. congressional candidate Brian Varela secures Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s endorsement
Baraka has faced scrutiny over his record on Israel and antisemitism
Trump on Wednesday warned Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he should be “very worried” ahead of planned nuclear talks, as the president weighs military action amid rising tensions and signs Tehran may be trying to revive its nuclear program.
Trump: Iranian supreme leader ‘should be very worried’
Ahead of nuclear negotiations, the president said the U.S. discovered Iranian officials were ‘thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country’
A new candidate for Republican county chair in Virginia’s largest jurisdiction is facing scrutiny over a range of antisemitic social media posts.
Jewish leaders raise alarm over Fairfax County GOP chair candidate’s antisemitism
‘Just because someone is a hateful antisemitic looney-tune doesn’t mean they can’t win office,’ one Jewish community activist said of Shelly Arnoldi
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has selected former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate in her reelection race this year — a pick that provoked both applause and consternation among leaders of the state’s Jewish community.
Kathy Hochul picks former council speaker Adrienne Adams as running mate
Adams initiated a contentious ceasefire resolution at the NYC council and was the first speaker not to visit Israel
First Lady Melania Trump welcomed freed Israeli hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel to the White House on Wednesday, one year after Aviva met the first lady for the first time and pleaded for help securing her husband’s release.
Melania Trump hosts Keith and Aviva Siegel in emotional White House reunion
‘Aviva is a warrior. She's a warrior. She was fighting very hard for Keith, and I know he suffered a lot,’ the first lady said
ANALYSIS | Even as the political environment within the Democratic Party has shifted to the left, AIPAC isn’t backing down from its aggressive, on-offense playbook from 2024.
Read more from Josh Kraushaar:
AIPAC faces test in N.J. primary as group maintains aggressive playbook
The pro-Israel group’s super PAC has spent over $2 million in ads attacking Tom Malinowski, who has come out in favor of conditioning some aid to Israel, in hopes of electing a more reliable ally in Tahesha Way
Lawmakers and expert witnesses pushed back at a hearing on efforts to reimpose sanctions on the Syrian government, and pushed for the U.S. to facilitate a diplomatic arrangement between Israel and Turkey that would allow for a greater Turkish presence in Syria — in part as a counterweight to Russia.
Lawmakers, witnesses push back on Syria sanctions effort, urge Turkish-Israeli rapprochement
Witnesses at the Helsinki Commission hearing noted that Russia is taking steps to entrench its presence and expand its relationship with the Syrian government
Marco Rubio outlined what the administration views as the minimum requirements for nuclear negotiations with Iran, insisting that any deal be comprehensive and address its ballistic missile capabilities, support for regional terrorism and repression of its people, in addition to the nuclear issue.
Marco Rubio reiterates U.S. demand for comprehensive deal with Iran
With negotiations taking place this week, the secretary of state said any agreement would have to address Iran’s missile program, support for proxy terror groups and internal repression, in addition to the nuclear issue
Lawmakers and expert witnesses at a House hearing highlighted the ongoing challenges and delays in the disarming of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, but also argued that there is tremendous opportunity in the country if Hezbollah’s influence can be defeated.
Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing highlights Hezbollah disarmament challenges and opportunities for peace with Lebanon
Washington Institute expert witnesses argue that the U.S. should condition security assistance to Lebanon on further progress in disarming Hezbollah
Sam Brownback, the former U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom and a former GOP senator, warned that, unless Syrian minority groups are allowed to maintain their own security forces, they face a likely genocide by government-aligned forces.
Former U.S. religious freedom ambassador warns of genocide of Syrian minorities
‘These groups must be allowed to maintain their own security forces, or I guarantee you today, a genocide will happen in Syria,’ Sam Brownback said
A pair of well-financed groups, whose backing is currently unknown, is set to begin running ads boosting moderate pro-Israel candidates in a series of open House seats in Chicago, each of whom is facing off against vocal anti-Israel opponents.
Major ad buys boost moderates facing anti-Israel challengers in Chicago-area House races
State Sen. Laura Fine, former Rep. Melissa Bean and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller are getting a big boost for their respective campaigns
Saudi Arabia and Turkey issued a joint declaration pledging to expand cooperation across a wide range of defense, economic and regional security issues, signaling deepening strategic ties between the two countries and cementing a markedly improved relationship between former foes.
Riyadh and Ankara jointly condemn Jerusalem’s recognition of Somaliland, call for Israeli withdrawal from Syria
The two countries outlined their alignment on several regional issues, including rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and calling for an immediate Israeli withdrawal from Syria, as well as a two-state solution
There are few things that Ha’aretz and the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 agree on, but with American and Iranian officials set to meet for nuclear talks on Friday, there was near wall-to-wall agreement in Israel that the talks are unlikely to bring positive results.
@lahavharkov.bsky.social reports:
Israel eyeing upcoming Iran-U.S. talks with deep skepticism
"Iran proved time after time that its promises cannot be trusted," Netanyahu told Witkoff in Jerusalem meeting
ANALYSIS | Tomorrow’s New Jersey special Democratic primary election to fill Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s vacant House seat will offer an early test of AIPAC’s ability to continue showcasing its political clout.
by Josh Kraushaar:
AIPAC faces test in N.J. primary as group maintains aggressive playbook
The pro-Israel group’s super PAC has spent over $2 million in ads attacking Tom Malinowski, who has come out in favor of conditioning some aid to Israel, in hopes of electing a more reliable ally in Tahesha Way
Read today's
#DailyKickoff:
🧲 Turkey and Saudi gang up to pressure Israel
Full briefing 👇
ji.news/4qaz7
Turkey and Saudi gang up to pressure Israel
Plus, Congress questions Hezbollah disarmament delays
The far-left streamer doubled down on his incendiary comments, claiming he has been ‘speaking truth to power’ in claiming Israel ‘played a significant role in how Oct. 7 took place’
Matthew Shea reports:
ji.news/4q8rx
Hasan Piker blames Israel for Oct. 7 at Qatar’s Web Summit
The far-left streamer doubled down on his incendiary comments, claiming he has been ‘speaking truth to power’ in claiming Israel ‘played a significant role in how Oct. 7 took place’
ANALYSIS | If Democrats want to have hope of regaining the confidence of the silent majority that propelled Trump to victory in 2024, they’ll need to be able to compete in the Buckeye State, Josh Kraushaar writes.
ji.news/4q8gp
Ohio’s 2026 races: A key test for Democrats to rebuild a winning coalition
If Democrats want to have hope of regaining the confidence of the silent majority that propelled Trump to victory in 2024, they’ll need to be able to compete in the Buckeye State
Obando-Derstine runs as pro-Israel immigrant advocate in crowded swing-district Pa. primary,
@marcrod.bsky.social reports.
ji.news/4q8ad
Obando-Derstine runs as pro-Israel immigrant advocate in crowded swing-district Pa. primary
Carol Obando-Derstine told JI she supports continued aid to Israel and rejected characterizations of the war in Gaza as a genocide
Pro-Israel moderates hold momentum in several Chicago-area House races,
@marcrod.bsky.social reports.
ji.news/4q7z5
Pro-Israel moderates hold momentum in several Chicago-area House races
Former Rep. Melissa Bean emerged as the clear frontrunner in her old suburban Chicago district, while state Sen. Laura Fine looking formidable in race to succeed Rep. Jan Schakowsky
Robert Kraft’s latest Super Bowl ad targets antisemitic bullying
The ad, which is part of a $15 million campaign, will also be featured during NBC’s Olympics coverage
Haley Cohen reports:
ji.news/4q7ky
Robert Kraft’s latest Super Bowl ad targets antisemitic bullying
The ad, which is part of a $15 million campaign, will also be featured during NBC’s Olympics coverage
Senate Republicans skeptical that Iranian regime will negotiate in good faith, Marc Rod and Emily Jacobs report.
ji.news/4q7jf
Senate Republicans skeptical that Iranian regime will negotiate in good faith
Ahead of reported talks between the U.S. and Iran, Sen. Mike Rounds said the regime ‘would love to deceive us … I just don’t think we’re going to have much success’
Mamdani, socialist allies face first electoral test in battle for NYC House seat, Will Bredderman reports.
ji.news/4q7de
Mamdani, socialist allies face first electoral test in battle for NYC House seat
The fight to succeed Rep. Nydia Velazquez pits Mamdani and the DSA faithful against the congresswoman and her protege
Analysts don't rule out Iran strike despite diplomatic flurry, Matthew Shea reports.
ji.news/4q78u
Will he or won’t he? Analysts don't rule out Iran strike despite diplomatic flurry
U.S.-Iran negotiations are ‘likely a diplomatic box-checking exercise and smokescreen,’ FDD’s Andrea Stricker said, while JINSA’s Jonathan Ruhe said U.S. military action is ‘unlikely for the moment’
Read today's
#DailyKickoff:
⚔️ Democrats vs. DSA in NYC
Full briefing 👇
ji.news/4q6ep
Democrats vs. DSA in NYC
Plus, Hamas-sympathetic outlet lands a White House seat
